Piazzola sul Brenta
Overview
Piazzola sul Brenta, in Veneto, is a small town that stands out for its elegance and historical significance. Villa Contarini, one of the most prestigious residences in the region, is a key landmark. The town is also a lively commercial center, with numerous cultural events and markets that bring life to the local scene. Its proximity to the Brenta River and the city of Padua makes Piazzola sul Brenta an excellent departure point for exploring Veneto.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Piazzola sul Brenta reflects the Venetian culinary tradition, with simple yet authentic dishes that highlight local ingredients. One of the most representative specialties is Risi e Bisi, a creamy risotto made with fresh peas, a symbol of spring and the historical cuisine of the Serenissima. This dish, once served to the Doges of Venice, stands out for its delicate flavor and the perfect balance between the sweetness of the peas and the creaminess of the rice, further enhanced by butter and cheese.
Another traditional dish is Pasta e Fagioli, a hearty soup that combines the softness of beans with the rich flavor of pasta. Made with borlotti beans, sautéed vegetables, and a touch of pancetta or lard, this thick soup is particularly appreciated in the colder months and is one of the ultimate comfort foods in Venetian cuisine.
Baccalà, a key ingredient in local gastronomy, is prepared in two classic versions: baccalà mantecato, a soft and flavorful cream made with stockfish, olive oil, and milk, best enjoyed with polenta; and baccalà alla vicentina, a slow-cooked dish that makes the fish tender and rich in flavor, enhanced by onions and anchovies.
Grilled meats, especially ribeye steaks, sausages, and spit-roasted meats, are a must in Piazzola sul Brenta’s cuisine. Charcoal grilling enhances the meat’s flavor, which is often served with polenta, mushrooms, or grilled vegetables.
Completing the culinary scene, hard cheeses such as Grana Padano or aged Montasio are a staple on local tables. Delicious on their own, they are also used to enrich pasta dishes and pair perfectly with local wines.
Wine and beverages
The enological tradition of Piazzola sul Brenta is deeply linked to the wine production of the Euganean Hills and the Lower Padua region, offering wines that embody the identity of the territory and pair perfectly with the local cuisine.
Prosecco, Veneto’s signature wine, is valued for its freshness and versatility. With its fine and persistent perlage and fruity and floral notes, it is ideal as an aperitif or paired with light dishes such as baccalà mantecato.
Another excellent wine is Fior d’Arancio dei Colli Euganei DOCG, available in both sparkling and passito versions. The sparkling version is aromatic and lively, with hints of citrus and white flowers, making it perfect for desserts or elegant toasts. The passito version, more intense and enveloping, features notes of honey and candied apricot, ideal with dry pastries or blue cheeses.
Serprino DOC, often called the “younger brother of Prosecco,” is a fresh and light sparkling white wine with pronounced acidity and citrus aromas. It pairs well with appetizers, fried seafood, and fresh cheeses.
For red wine lovers, Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG is an unmissable choice. Made from Raboso grapes, this wine is known for its bold structure and strong character, featuring notes of sour cherry and spices. It is perfect with grilled meats and aged cheeses.
Finally, the red DOC wines from the Euganean Hills, such as Merlot, Cabernet, and Bordeaux-style blends, offer wines of great body and intensity, with aromas of wild berries and spices. These reds are ideal for pairing with rich Venetian dishes, from Pasta e Fagioli to roasts.
Points of interest
In the heart of the town stands Villa Contarini, one of the most imposing examples of a Venetian Villa. Built in the 16th century, possibly designed by the young Andrea Palladio, the villa was expanded in the 17th century by Marco Contarini, who transformed it into a place of leisure and culture. The structure is distinguished by its grand wings, the Palladian loggia with 31 arches, and the large square in front, once the setting for lavish celebrations.
Another noteworthy site is the former Jutificio, an industrial complex established in the late 19th century as part of Count Camerini’s industrial project. The former textile factory has undergone a major urban redevelopment and is now a multifunctional cultural center.
The town’s Duomo, built between 1914 and 1926, is notable for its neo-Gothic façade. The former Casa del Fascio, designed in the 1930s, now houses the library and the cultural center dedicated to Andrea Mantegna.
For sports enthusiasts, the Treviso-Ostiglia Cycle Route is a must-see. As one of Veneto’s main cycling arteries, this popular bike path follows an old military railway and runs for 116 km, with part of it passing through Piazzola sul Brenta. The route immerses cyclists in an authentic Venetian landscape, featuring waterways, cultivated fields, country churches, and old railway houses.
Lastly, there is the Brenta Nature Reserve. Reachable by bike or on foot from Villa Contarini, this protected natural area along the Brenta River offers picturesque views and several small lakes that have formed in disused quarries. This wetland habitat is home to various species of resident and migratory birds, amphibians, and fish.
San Valentino (Brentonico)
Overview
San Valentino Brentonico, in Trentino, is a charming mountain village located in the Adige Valley. Known for its tranquility and beautiful hiking opportunities in the Monte Baldo Natural Park, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The village center is a picturesque collection of stone houses and local traditions, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of San Valentino di Brentonico, set in the heart of Monte Baldo, offers a journey through the authentic flavors of the mountains, where local products and rural traditions come together in rich and genuine dishes.
One of the highlights of the local cuisine is polenta, served with venison stew or accompanied by malga cheeses such as Nostrano di Malga and Vezzena, which, with their intense flavors, pair perfectly with mountain honey. Alongside polenta, the classic tortel di patate, golden and crispy, is served with typical cold cuts like speck, lucanica trentina, and chamois salami, accompanied by traditional sauerkraut or cabbage, a staple ingredient in Alpine cuisine.
Mountain herbs like dandelion and silene are used to enhance simple yet flavorful dishes, such as spinach canederli or herb omelets. Another local ingredient is saffron, cultivated in small high-quality productions, adding an elegant touch to risottos or polenta. Celeriac, with its delicate and slightly sweet taste, is often used in salads and side dishes that highlight the freshness of mountain produce.
Autumn brings one of the most prized local products: the Marroni di Castione, sweet and flavorful chestnuts, perfect for roasting or using in traditional desserts. Among the most unique specialties is the use of chili peppers, grown in some areas of Monte Baldo and used to enhance meat and cheese dishes.
To finish on a sweet note, apple strudel, rich in cinnamon and raisins, is the dessert of choice, often accompanied by a glass of Grappa Trentina, which embodies the strong and authentic spirit of this land.
Wine and beverages
The local wines, influenced by the Alpine climate and mineral-rich soils, offer unique flavors deeply connected to the region.
Among the reds, Marzemino, Trentino’s signature grape variety, stands out for its brilliant ruby color and aromas of wild berries and violets. Its smooth and slightly spicy taste makes it perfect for pairing with grilled meats, game stews, and aged cheeses. For whites, the spotlight is on Nosiola, the only native white grape variety in Trentino. Fresh and delicately aromatic, with notes of green apple and hazelnut, it pairs beautifully with mountain herb-based dishes, freshwater fish, and soft cheeses.
For special occasions, a glass of Trento DOC is a must. This elegant and complex traditional-method sparkling wine from Trentino is characterized by its fine and persistent perlage. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it is ideal as a refined aperitif or paired with local cured meats and cheeses.
To end a meal in true Trentino style, Grappa is the region’s signature distillate. Made from the pomace of local grape varieties, it can be enjoyed either white or aged, offering intense and enveloping aromas. The herb- or honey-infused versions are particularly appreciated after a rich meal, adding warmth and authenticity to Alpine traditions.
Points of interest
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Monte Baldo trails, known as the “Garden of Europe” due to their extraordinary biodiversity. Trails such as the one leading to Corno della Paura offer spectacular views of the Dolomites and Lake Garda. In summer, the meadows are filled with the colors of mountain herbs and Alpine flowers, while in winter, the plateau transforms into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, thanks to the Brentonico Ski slopes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through snowy forests provide peaceful experiences and breathtaking panoramas.
San Valentino is also an ideal departure point for discovering important historical sites in the area. Among them, the Campana dei Caduti in Rovereto, a symbol of peace and remembrance, tolls a hundred times each evening to honor fallen soldiers from all wars. Nearby, the impressive Castello di Avio, one of Trentino’s most fascinating medieval castles, features towers and 14th-century frescoes that narrate stories of battles and knights. In the heart of Brentonico, the elegant Palazzo Baisi, now home to the Monte Baldo Museum, preserves the history and nature of this unique region.
The village also boasts the Church of San Valentino, a small 15th-century gem adorned with ancient frescoes and a charming atmosphere. To round off the day, a stop at local mountain huts and refuges offers the chance to enjoy traditional dishes such as mountain polenta, canederli, grilled meats, and baccalà alla vicentina, all paired with regional wines, including Marzemino, Trento DOC, and Nosiola.
